Uncertain future ahead for town’s British Legion Club

The British Legion building on Bar Street. . pic Richard Ponter 170507

Published:09:41Friday 10 February 2017

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Mystery surrounds the reason behind the closure of Scarborough’s Royal British Legion Club.

The Scarborough News understands the club was closed down on Sunday and the locks have been changed at the Bar Street premises.

A long-term legion club member told The Scarborough News of their disappointment at the closure of the Bar Street premises.

The member, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “In its prime, the club had more than 300 members. Nowadays we have 44 members, with most of those being members for a lot of years. Unfortunately I cannot see the club opening again which is a huge loss for the Scarborough. It is a pity when there is a real sense of community in the club. Some members have been here for 50 years and it is a real shame if it has to end this way.”

It is said talks are underway with the club committee in order to reopen the site in the future.

Pete Parkinson, chairman of the Scarborough Royal British Legion branch, said: “I have been told the club, separate from the branch, has been closed down. I understand there are discussions underway in an attempt to reopen the premises.

“This does not affect the running of the branch, which is a charity, and the poppy appeal. We still hope to use the upstairs room and if not, we shall move to another premises in the town centre. We are the same charity with the welfare fund.”